Related Articles

Green Lakes State Park, in upstate New York near Syracuse, is home to two glacial and meromictic lakes: Round and Green Lakes. The park is also a recreational hotspot, with an 18-hole golf course, biking, fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing. While no hotel options exist within the park, many are within driving distance. The broadest variety of hotels is in Syracuse, although a few options are available in communities closer to the park, such as DeWitt, Fayetteville and East Syracuse.

The Craftsman Inn

About 15 minutes from downtown Syracuse, the Craftsman Inn accommodates tourists, business travelers and large groups and events. The hotel's country-home exterior is a slight departure from its sophisticated, modern interior, which houses 90 guest rooms, including 21 suites. All are outfitted with pillowtop mattresses and hypoallergenic down comforters; some suites come with Jacuzzi whirlpool tubs. The on-site Limestone Grille and Bar serves contemporary, American cuisine with an extensive wine list, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. With five rooms, including the 200-person-capacity Mission Ballroom, the 4,000-square-foot conference center is equipped for special events. Dogs are allowed in the suites but are prohibited from standard rooms. The Craftsman Inn 7300 East Genesee St. Fayetteville, NY 13066-1342 315-637-8000 craftsmaninn.com

Inn at the Fairgrounds

As its name suggests, the Inn at the Fairgrounds is the only full-service hotel within walking distance of the New York State Fairgrounds. The hotel offers standard hotel-style rooms, with one king or two queen beds, and has one luxury suite, which can be reserved by directly calling the hotel. Guests receive free hot breakfasts and complimentary Internet access. The on-site restaurant, Daniella's Steakhouse, is open for lunch during the week and dinner every day, and serves a variety of wraps, pizza, sandwiches, burgers and, of course, steak. The hotel allows only service pets. Inn at the Fairgrounds 670 State Fair Blvd. Syracuse, NY 13209 315-484-0044 innatthefairgrounds.com

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites DeWitt

The four-floor DeWitt Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites offers 89 guest rooms and 23 suites. Its health and fitness center features bikes, treadmills and cardiovascular exercise equipment as well as an indoor pool. In the business center, guests are welcome to use the copy machine, fax machine, printers and computers with complimentary Internet access. Kids eat free, and a complimentary breakfast is available at the hotel restaurant. Pets are not permitted in the hotel. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites DeWitt 5908 Widewaters Parkway East Syracuse, NY? 13214 315-373-0123 ichotelsgroup.com

Genesee Grande Hotel

From its lobby's white pillars and koi pond to the relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance of 1060 Restaurant, the Genesee provides an environment of simple yet elegant comfort. Five individually designed suites and 159 rooms fill the hotel's six floors. In addition, the hotel has a fitness center, conference center, ballroom, two salons and a theater for special events. The 1060 Restaurant offers banquet rooms and full catering for events, and serves a constantly changing menu of cuisine. Pets are allowed in the hotel, although guests must notify staff about the pet at check-in and pay a non-refundable deposit. Genesee Grande Hotel 1060 East Genesee St. Syracuse, NY? 13210 315-476-4212? geneseegrande.com

Jefferson Clinton Hotel

Listed as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Historic Hotels of America, the Jefferson Clinton Hotel was built in 1927. Guests can choose from large one- and two-room suites or eight smaller \"Euro-style\" rooms. Some suites are outfitted with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs, and all have full kitchens and premium bedding. The hotel also has a fitness center and meeting facilities. While no restaurant is on site, the hotel provides a complimentary breakfast. Music greats such as Amy Grant, BB King and the Supremes have visited the environmentally friendly 11-story hotel. Pets are prohibited. Jefferson Clinton Hotel 416 South Clinton St. Syracuse, NY 13202-1221 315-425-0500 jeffersonclintonhotel.com

Resources

About the Author

Mary Freeman is a freelance writer. She has held several editorial positions at the print publication, "The Otter Realm." She traveled throughout Europe, which ultimately resulted in an impromptu move to London, where she stayed for eight months. This life experience inspired her to pursue travel writing. Freeman received a degree in human communication from California State University.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

Deadman's Point at Green Lake in Green Lakes State Park, New York. "Marl reef", bacteria formed chalky shoreline formations, are visible in the foreground.

Image was obtained from the web-site of "TERRA: The Earth Restoration and Renewal Alliance." It combines public domain false-color satellite photography of Green Lakes State Park (obtainable at http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us) with an overlay of text and trail lines.